Wednesday, September 14, 2005

His Presence Never Fails Me

Finally, after a long journey, we landed and excitement took over. I was yearning to go to Masjid Nabawi but I had to be patient. I was so close yet so far away. On our way to the hotel, I was hoping to get a glance of the masjid. I saw bits and pieces but not the whole thing.

Arriving at the hotel, we unloaded our luggage and got the keys to our rooms. I wanted to drop everything and go. Soon, fajr came in. I got up and walked to the Masjid of our Beloved (صلي الله عليه و سلم). I couldn’t believe I was actually there. There I was in the city where the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) once walked.

Days passed and I still didn’t get the chance to visit the rawdah. The desire began to accumulate and I could no longer be patient. I had to end this wait. I had to find a way, since it was my first time ever I didn’t know where the rawdah was, so I was told that you can say salaam outside the green dome and its no different. So there I was under the hot blazing sun staring at the green dome. I thought SubhanAllah, I am staring at the original part of the Masjid, all these years passed and there it proudly stands. This is where the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) once prayed, once lived, and once got his revelations, and there I was standing. SubhanAllah. As I made my salaam, I felt peace overpower me and the strong presence of our Rasool (صلي الله عليه و سلم).

Without a doubt, the best experience I had in Medina was actually being in the rawdah. Standing, prostrating, and making dua next to the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) is a feeling I can’t describe. Visiting all the historical sites, and being able to go places many people can't, made me realise how fortunate I was. Out of the six billion people on the face of the earth I was chosen, by Allah, to experience and be where the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) once was.

Something interesting happened the day we left Madinah. I was sitting in the bus when I noticed rain drops. Shocked and surprised, I thought to myself, rain is a blessing from Allah Taala - did this have to do with anything of us leaving? Excited to go to the House of Allah Taala, I was also sad leaving the city of Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) not knowing if I’ll ever come back.